[Spits] Spit O/D Issues

[Mack, Michael (Rochester)]

So one of the 2 wires that comes from the engine bay to the O/D wiring should
always be hot?
Can I test the solenoid with a hot lead from the positive side of the battery
to see if it clicks?  To eliminate the rest of the wiring for testing?

Mike Mack Rochester, NY
79 Spit
80 TR8
73 Stag
70 GT6


From: Greg Rowe [mailto:growe58 at hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2012 9:43 AM
To: Mack, Michael (Rochester); Spitfires
Subject: RE: [Spits] Spit O/D Issues

You should be able to hear the solenoid click when you turn it on and off
with the engine off.  The wiring consists of the switch in the gear lever,
the
solenoid and an inhibitor (to lock out 1st, 2nd and reverse).  I'm not sure
of the actual wiring order or colors but you should be able to find it on
line.

I've found that the connections in the on-off switch in the gear lever
can be finicky and I actually ended up soldering my on (which necessitates
an annoying unsoldering whenever I remove it.)  I also had the wires
to the lever go bad from flexing and had to splice in new sections.

I understand that the J-Type OD's are robust so your problem is likely
wiring or a solenoid.  If it is the solenoid, new ones are somewhat pricey
but Volvo used the same OD for many years and you may be able to find
a servicable one cheaply in a junkyard.

Also, I believe there is a useful article on OD on the Canley Classic site.

Why GL1?  I would want to use something more modern than that although
overdrive transmission lubricants are admittedly one of the biggest
disagreement areas on our cars.

I agree, once you get used to that OD, it's hard to drive without it!

Good luck!

Greg Rowe


> From: Michael.Mack at redcross.org
> To: spitfires at autox.team.net
> Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2012 12:43:16 +0000
> Subject: [Spits] Spit O/D Issues
>
> I just replaced the clutch (3 piece AP kit) on my 79 Spitfire over the
> weekend. The tranny went back in successfully, and it now shifts into
first.
> (fingers in the clutch cover were worn and bent).
>
> My question:
> The Tranny has O/D and it worked fine last year before I took out the
Tranny.
> I also changed the oil with GL1 Ford Tractor oil. And replaced the rear
> engine seal and horseshoe gasket, while I was in there.
> Issue: The O/D switch doesn't engage anymore on 3 or 4th gear. I need to
> trace the wires against a wiring diagram (I think there is one on the
> Spitfires & GT6 site), but I think they went back together correctly. Is
> there a way to test the solenoid without damaging it? Any other things to
> check out?
> I put 25 miles on the car yesterday, and really miss the O/D !!
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Mike Mack Rochester, NY
> 79 Spit
> 80 TR8
> 73 Stag
> 70 GT6